Back in September my young at heart husband celebrated his 20 year college reunion. We jumped on a plane and headed west to Colorado - just the two of us - to take a trip down memory lane at the Air Force Academy.
Grandmother and Grandaddy graciously kept the littles for us while we were away. Trav and I had the best time being together and I absolutely loved retracing the steps of his college years. I wish so badly I had known him then - but then of course when he was in college I was in elementary school and that's just weird. ;)
Shortly after our plane landed in Denver we met up with Trav's old roommate Mark Nassir. Mark has to be the nicest guy on the planet. As soon as Travis laid eyes on Mark he shouted Nascar!!!! (Nassir) and just like that the good times started to roll as we made our way to Colorado Springs.
It's been years since these guys laid eyes on one another, yet they all picked up right where they left off. There were events scheduled throughout the weekend. The first night there was a welcome reception - below is Travis, Mark and Rich Benda.
And the wives - Rich's wife Suzanne, our wonderful hostess Kim Borchert and me.
Our group.
The view of the Rocky Mountains from our car.
The day we arrived in Colorado Springs, Mark asked if we wouldn't mind dropping by the home of a family that sponsored (mentored) him during his years as a cadet. General and Mrs. Wakin graciously welcomed us for a visit in their home so that Mark and Travis could update them on their lives since being at the Academy. As I sat there and listened to their conversation, I learned that the Wakin's have seven grown children and throughout the years they often had cadets in their home - sometimes to mentor and guide them, sometimes just to watch a football game and enjoy a home cooked meal. Twenty years ago, this family opened up their homes and their hearts to Mark and to Travis - and look how far they have come since. Mark wanted to come back and thank them for investing in his life. Mrs. Wakin was such an encouragement to me to pursue relationships with people. In the end that is all that truly matters.
Colorado is one of those places that is dear to mine and Travis' heart. Of course for him spending his college years there - meeting some of his best friends, succeeding at the Academy, and growing in his relationship with the Lord. As his wife I am thankful for those formative years. After my freshman year of college I lived in Colorado for a summer, living and working with the Stevens family as they led the Campus Crusade Athletic camp. When Travis and I began dating we both had special memories associated with the Rocky Mountain state.
Friday we spent the day touring the beautiful Academy grounds.
-Travis, Mark, Rob, Rich, and Jason-
After a full day of touring the campus, we enjoyed a reception that same evening.
Such a fun time with great people.
Rob and Kim Borchert were amazing hosts during our Colorado stay. They invited the Lorenzens and the Heinmets over for breakfast on the last day. Both of these couples have left such an impact on Travis and his friends. They mentored, guided, and encouraged these young men during their college years. I have always heard their names and gazed at their Christmas cards year after year, but now I was finally able to meet them in person. I am forever grateful for our time to fellowship together and for the impact they had on Travis.
After breakfast we headed back to campus for the Air Force football game!
At halftime Mark, Travis and I left the game and Colorado Springs to head to Denver. As our trip came to a close I was overwhelmed with thankfulness that I caught a glimpse into Travis' college experience. I've heard the stories, briefly met the friends, and seen the pictures, but actually being there with him made me love him even more. I have a new appreciation for my Air Force Academy grad. ;) Yes, now Colorado has an even more special place in both of our hearts.
Shortly after our plane landed in Denver we met up with Trav's old roommate Mark Nassir. Mark has to be the nicest guy on the planet. As soon as Travis laid eyes on Mark he shouted Nascar!!!! (Nassir) and just like that the good times started to roll as we made our way to Colorado Springs.
It's been years since these guys laid eyes on one another, yet they all picked up right where they left off. There were events scheduled throughout the weekend. The first night there was a welcome reception - below is Travis, Mark and Rich Benda.
And the wives - Rich's wife Suzanne, our wonderful hostess Kim Borchert and me.
Our group.
The view of the Rocky Mountains from our car.
The day we arrived in Colorado Springs, Mark asked if we wouldn't mind dropping by the home of a family that sponsored (mentored) him during his years as a cadet. General and Mrs. Wakin graciously welcomed us for a visit in their home so that Mark and Travis could update them on their lives since being at the Academy. As I sat there and listened to their conversation, I learned that the Wakin's have seven grown children and throughout the years they often had cadets in their home - sometimes to mentor and guide them, sometimes just to watch a football game and enjoy a home cooked meal. Twenty years ago, this family opened up their homes and their hearts to Mark and to Travis - and look how far they have come since. Mark wanted to come back and thank them for investing in his life. Mrs. Wakin was such an encouragement to me to pursue relationships with people. In the end that is all that truly matters.
Colorado is one of those places that is dear to mine and Travis' heart. Of course for him spending his college years there - meeting some of his best friends, succeeding at the Academy, and growing in his relationship with the Lord. As his wife I am thankful for those formative years. After my freshman year of college I lived in Colorado for a summer, living and working with the Stevens family as they led the Campus Crusade Athletic camp. When Travis and I began dating we both had special memories associated with the Rocky Mountain state.
Friday we spent the day touring the beautiful Academy grounds.
-Travis, Mark, Rob, Rich, and Jason-
After a full day of touring the campus, we enjoyed a reception that same evening.
Such a fun time with great people.
Rob and Kim Borchert were amazing hosts during our Colorado stay. They invited the Lorenzens and the Heinmets over for breakfast on the last day. Both of these couples have left such an impact on Travis and his friends. They mentored, guided, and encouraged these young men during their college years. I have always heard their names and gazed at their Christmas cards year after year, but now I was finally able to meet them in person. I am forever grateful for our time to fellowship together and for the impact they had on Travis.
After breakfast we headed back to campus for the Air Force football game!
At halftime Mark, Travis and I left the game and Colorado Springs to head to Denver. As our trip came to a close I was overwhelmed with thankfulness that I caught a glimpse into Travis' college experience. I've heard the stories, briefly met the friends, and seen the pictures, but actually being there with him made me love him even more. I have a new appreciation for my Air Force Academy grad. ;) Yes, now Colorado has an even more special place in both of our hearts.
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